Winter Frost ~ Audiobook Review

 

Winter Frost

A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger

For three years, Chris Matheson has known that his wife Blair was dead, and he has moved on with his life. There is just one little problem he just saw her, and she is very much alive.  Not only is she alive someone is trying to kill her. And now Chris finds himself in the middle of something that has placed a target on his back.

Time to call in the Geezer Squad - the "book club" that Chris's father helped start years ago. But this book club isn't your normal group of retirees who gather after hours to discuss the latest mystery. Nope, this group doesn't crack a book during their get-together, rather they crack cases, and the colder they are, the better they like them. And the case Chris just found himself in needs all the resources the Geezer Squad has at its disposal, especially if they all plan on living long enough to see justice served and national security preserved.

In this case, Chris gets some help from Murphy Thornton an agent who somehow gets himself attached to Chris's case. And then there is Tristan Faraday and Nigel, who find themselves drawn deep into the case thanks to Murphy.  (Fans of Lauren Carr will recognize Murphy, Tristan, and Nigel from her other series)

And, in case you've read the previous book in the series, Ice Chris's mother is most definitely in it, and I can, with all honesty, say she's someone I wouldn't want to meet in person or get on her bad side (which sounds fairly easy to do). And then there is Sterling, a German Shepherd that you don't want to play cards against. Sterling is easily my favorite character in this series, with Thor (the Matheson pet rabbit) running a close second.

Overall this is a good read, or in my case, a good listen. Mike Alger does a great job presenting the story so that one doesn't get bored in the telling. He changes up the pitch and accents of the various characters so that they are distinct and recognizable.

Those who enjoy mysteries will enjoy this Lauren Carr offering. If you haven't read the first book in this series, that is okay, as it is able to be enjoyed as a standalone book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title: Winter Frost  (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2) by Lauren Carr

Narrator:  Mike Alger

Category:  Adult fiction,  8 hours, 56 minutes

Genre:  Mystery

Publisher:  Acorn Book Services

Release date:  Mar 22, 2019

Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Filled with twists and turns, Winter Frost reads perfectly well as a stand-alone, although it is part of a series. The author creates tension and suspense throughout by keeping the reader guessing; she keeps readers engaged with well fleshed out characters and a dash of humor. Sterling, the retired German Shepherd police dog turned card shark, is a new favorite. As the story flows, the truth unfolds, layer by layer, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

"Winter Frost was an entertaining, at times humorous read with suspense, some surprises, and even cute animals in the mix." Review of Winter Frost by The iRead Review

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Book Description:

​It all started with a chance encounter in the city with Blair, his late wife.

Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, working under the guise of a book club, dig into the events surrounding his late wife’s supposed death halfway around the globe. A state department employee shoots himself in the back three times. A CIA operative goes missing. A woman is targeted by an international assassin three years after being declared dead in a terrorist attack overseas. 

Nothing is as it seems. 

In his most personal cold case, Chris fights to uncover why the state department told him that Blair, the mother of his children, had been killed when she was alive. What had she uncovered that has made her a target? Who terrified her so much that she had gone into hiding and why are they now after him?

​Buy the Book:
Amazon.com 
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

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​Meet the Narrator:

One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California; Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children.

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~  twitter

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​Meet the Author:

​Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 3 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 4 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 8 – Liese's Blog – book series spotlight
May 9- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of ICE
May 9 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 10- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 10 –Casia's Corner – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
​May 11 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 11 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of the LAST THING SHE SAID
May 12 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 15 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 16 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 17 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 18 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 19 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of ICE
May 22 –Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight
May 22 - – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 23 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 24 - FUONLYKNEW - book series spotlight/giveaway
May 24 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 25 –fundinmental – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 25 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 26 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 27 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 28 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of CHRS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
TBD – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

ICE ~ Audiobook Review

 

ICE

A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger

More than 20 years ago, Chris Matheson was a person of interest in the disappearance of Sandy Lipton. The small-town gossip blamed him and now that he's back in town with his daughters, he learns that the wagging tongues and speculation never died down. Worse, his daughters have started hearing the malice gossip that, if true, would see him still serving a sentence.

Talked into joining his late father's book club, Chris soon learns that this is no ordinary book club. Rather it is a collection of retired law enforcement officers who seek to avoid the utter boredom of retirement by working on cold cases. Drawing on the unique skill set of this group, Chris begins piecing together the random and vague clues and recollections that he has from that time. But someone seems determined to keep him from the truth about Sandy and the child she was carrying.

But this small West Virginian town is hiding more than one crime, and Chris is about to find himself in the midst of it. Whoever is behind this has a malevolence that makes Chris feel these crimes are related and personal. The only question is, which of his old acquaintances is next on the list?

This Lauren Carr series offers up a big dose of both for the whodunnit mystery buff who loves ever-increasing suspense and danger. Murder and mayhem seem to be Chris's new companions after returning home following the loss of both his wife and his father. Juggling the parenting responsibilities of his three daughters with his mother is not something Chris was expecting at this point in his life, but life doesn't go as planned.

And for those familiar with Lauren's other works - YES, there are dogs in this book, and Chris's newest Sterling just might give Gnarly a run for his money as far as crazy antics go. Sterling, in a word, is a HOOT and probably my favorite character. Though the pet rabbit Thor is a pretty close second - who wouldn't love a rabbit who dresses up!

The audio narration by Mike Alger is well done. The pacing is good, and the various characters are easily discernable as the story progresses.  At just under 10 hours, this is an excellent length for a week of commuting or household chores.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author through iRead Book Tours with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Book Title: ICE (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category:  Adult fiction,  9 hours, 54 minutes
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  April 25, 2018
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder and love that will have you on the edge of your seat...I love the way Lauren spun this novel - I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child and how this disappearance was tied into a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel!" 5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal

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Book Description:
​When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted. 

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!

​Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

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​Meet the Narrator:

One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California; Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children.

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~  twitter

---

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​Meet the Author:

​Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 3 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 4 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 8 – Liese's Blog – book series spotlight
May 9- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of ICE
May 9 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 10- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 10 –Casia's Corner – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
​May 11 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 11 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of the LAST THING SHE SAID
May 12 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 15 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 16 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 17 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 18 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 19 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of ICE
May 22 –Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight
May 22 - – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 23 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 24 - FUONLYKNEW - book series spotlight/giveaway
May 24 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 25 –fundinmental – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 25 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 26 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 27 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 28 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of CHRS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
TBD – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Snow Storm ~ Review

 

Snow Storm  by Mike Alger  Greg O'Brien is the meteorologist for KRGX and also for local radio station KOPP-FM. He's popular and is shocked when the radio station lets him go without explanation.  But what follows leaves him totally flummoxed. At first, he thinks it's just a series of unfortunate circumstances that have made him accident-prone. But all too soon, it becomes clear that someone is helping these accidents occur. Unfortunately, no one who can help him will believe him.  But how can a meteorologist outsmart an international assassin and live another day in hopes that he'll discover why he's been targeted? Greg O'Brien is about to make an effort. After all, he has a lot to live for. Over the years, I've listened to Mike Alger narrate audiobooks written by other authors; this is the first I've enjoyed that he has written. The book is told from Greg O'Brien's perspective. It is sometimes a memoir of Greg's recollection of what had happened until the book gets to where the opening action occurs. From there, the book unfolds as in-time action. Overall this was a well-written story with plenty of action that will more than completely engage the reader's attention. The reader and Greg will get a crash course in international crime and cartels as the threats escalate.  You won't want to miss this book if you are looking for suspense and life-and-death situations. The audio reading is well-presented, the various characters are distinguishable, and there is good pacing throughout. At just over 11 hours, this is the perfect length for a week's commute. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. The Book Details Book Title:  SNOW STORM by Mike Alger Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +)  Genre:  Mystery / Thriller Publisher:  Publish America Release date:   July 2002 Content Rating:  PG - I wavered between G and PG… there's no explicit language, but there is some mild violence. Snippet: He smiled. "Kidnapping? Naw… you don't have to worry about that. Oy'm not here to kidnap you. Oy'm here to kill you." About the Book: Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind. You wake up one morning, and all of a sudden, an internationally feared assassin wants you dead? I hate it when that happens. And what do you do when the forecast for your friendly neighborhood TV weatherman looks like murder? ​KRGX meteorologist Greg O'Brien is having one of those days. He just hopes it's not his last. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Audible  Add to Goodreads Meet the Author: One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California, Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society's Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children. ​ Connect with the author: website ~ ACX ~ Facebook ~  Twitter Tour Schedule: May 1 – Mystery Review Crew – audiobook review/giveaway May 1 - Mystery Review Crew - book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 8 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review/author interview/giveaway May 9 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review/guest post/giveaway May 10 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review/giveaway May 11 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review/giveaway May 12 – Liese's Blog – book spotlight May 13 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review May 16 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight/author interview/giveaway May 17 – Diane's Book Journal – book spotlight May 18 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 23 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – audiobook review/giveaway May 24 – The Momma Spot – audiobook review/giveaway May 25 – Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review/giveaway May 26 – Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight/giveaway May 26 – fundinmental – book spotlight/giveaway Enter the Giveaway:

Deep Blue Murder ~ Review

Deep Blue Murder

A Fiona Quinn Mystery #11

By C.S. McDonald

Fiona Quinn and her now husband, Nathan Landry, have been offered a free weekend getaway in the Bahamas. What newlyweds would turn down such a chance? Not Nate and Fiona, but maybe they should have? Especially since it was going to be a "working" trip for Nate's mom, Rita. But what could go wrong in paradise? A whole lot!  Especially when you are stuck on an island with no connections to the outside world, as in no phones, computers, or anything. Yikes!

But the island does offer monkeys, beaches, and an interesting mix of people staying there with them. And did I say a possible scandal in the making? Yep, a real relaxing weekend getaway, NOT!                  

I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was excellent, and the various potential victims and suspects make for an exciting who-did-what-to-whom to the very end. Can they find the answers they seek before the whole weekend goes horribly wrong? Probably not before a crime or two happens. But just who is the guilty party? 

And then there are Fiona's home parents there for the wedding. With an armload of Yorkies to harass her nosy neighbor and her mom, Nancy taking on her own investigation into the murder, well, it won't get boring. 

I listened to the audio version of this, and the narration was excellent. The book was narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg and was well presented. At just over 7-1/2 hours, this is the perfect busy work listen. This is most definitely a cozy mystery, and I would have no qualms recommending it to any reader over twelve years of age. This is one to add to your Summer TBR list, perfect for wherever you are when you need to getaway without going anywhere.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Tastes Like Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #11
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 268 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 2022
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books, and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

About the Book:

Fiona is delighted when her new mother-in-law, Rita Landry invites her and Nathan to a private island in the Bahamas owned by a US ambassador. Sun, sandy beaches, and romantic tangerine sunsets await the newlyweds, but for Rita and her executive assistant, Hal Underwood the trip to Deep Blue Isle is a working vacation. Ambassador Taslow has summoned them to the island to discuss a scandal he has fallen victim to. However, when the Landry’s and Hal arrive, they find less than welcoming circumstances: no internet or Wi-Fi, mischievous monkeys, a dangerous tenant, and then there’s that pesky dead body.

​A storm is brewing on Deep Blue Isle, and it has nothing to do with wind and rain.

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BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister. 

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram

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Tastes Like Murder ~ Review

Tastes Like Murder

A Fiona Quinn Mystery #4

By C.S. McDonald

Fiona Quinn is the maid of honor at a murder, not that murder was on the schedule. Nope, it was supposed to be a wedding for Fiona's cousin. But when the rehearsal goes wrong and the bride ends up dead, Fiona is suspect number one. This time her "Kindergarten Teacher" persona doesn't protect her. Yikes!! 

Even worse, Fiona handled the murder weapon. It was all innocent, of course. But then it goes viral, and everyone is quick to question just what hides behind her Kindergarten Teacher façade. Double Yikes!!! 

I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was excellent, and the various family members/suspects make for an exciting who-did-what-to-whom to the very end. And, yes, it was a well-played game up to the very end, and only the smallest of clues will offer the answers that they seek. 

And then there are Fiona's home parents there for the wedding. With an armload of Yorkies to harass her nosy neighbor and her mom, Nancy taking on her own investigation into the murder, well, it won't get boring. 

I listened to the audio version of this, and the narration was excellent. The book was narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg and was well presented. At 4-3/4 hours, this was the perfect quick listen as I was able to enjoy it over a week of commute time. 

This was most definitely a cozy mystery, and I would have no qualms recommending it to any reader over twelve years of age. I love Fiona's reaction when she is referred to as a ""Kindergarten teacher." And then there is Grandma Evelyn, still up to her antics in Fiona's house and always worth a smile or two. This is one to add to your Summer TBR list though maybe not at the beach.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Tastes Like Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #4
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 202 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 23, 2017
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books, and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

About the Book:

The bridesmaid dresses are ruffles and ruffles of ugly, one bridesmaid is trying to micro-manage…well, pretty much everything, and the bride-to-be is a total bridezilla! Wedding bells will soon be ringing, but as usual, Fiona is a bridesmaid and not a bride. As the maid of honor, how can Fiona keep the volatile pre-wedding festivities running smoothly? 

The problem is abruptly solved when the bride drops over dead at the elegant wine-tasting wedding rehearsal. Yikes! Who poisoned the wine? The suspects are lining up, and Fiona finds herself at the top of the list! Double yikes! It’s a vintage murder case for Fiona, Detective Landry, and the gang. Cheers!

Join Fiona and the gang for a hot whodunit on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle, Pennsylvania!

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BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to GoodreadsGoodreads

Meet the Author:

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister. 

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram

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